01-03-2012, 02:58 AM
Hi LR, how have you been?
I'll try to give some basic advice beginning with the most basic, for an AR make sure your sling is attached to the float tube and not the barrel. You really don't want to bend that barrel down and to the left like it does with a standard A2, so if you have a traditional AR in A2 or A4 format or one of the AA hunters, you will need to install a free float tube under the hand guards. Several people make these, such as bushmaster, Rock River Arms and so on, but the one that is used most frequently at the national matches for service rifle applications is this one http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/pr...256&page=1
If you have a longer barreled rig one of the match rifle float tubes works real well and comes with a rail slot that accepts an Anschutz hand stop with a sling loop attached. Several of my friends shoot this one, including the guy that always beets me http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/pr...256&page=1
Then you need a good sling, a good one doesn't mean it costs a lot of money, some of the national champions use a simple GI cotton sling, I'll get into how to rig it later. http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Mili...Sling.html
I personally use a Les Tam leather sling for my service rifle but there is a wait list of up to a year to get one, so my recommendation would be a Ron Brown, who studied under Les and uses the same materials. http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Ron_...SLING.html
For match rifle applications the Tubb sling gets the job done just fine http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/DAVI...SLING.html
It helps to have a good shooting jacket and mat with non slip rubber facing but those are not mandatory, a shooting glove also helps take some bite out of the sling pressure but again you can use even an oven mitt to get started.
Initially the prone position with a sling seems very uncomfortable but once you establish the proper position you will be able to lay there comfortably for a long time and even doze off.
The critical element of the proper use of a sling in the prone position is that all the tension in the muscles of your non firing hand be transferred to the sling, your arm must be totally relaxed. Next you move your body behind your belt line only to align the rifle to the exact center of your target, this is called the natural point of aim, you can check it by removing your firing hand from the rifle and verifying that the rifle is still pointed at the center of the target. Verify again by closing your eyes, checking that all tension is removed from every muscle in your non firing hand and arm, open your eyes and verify the rifle is still pointed at the exact center of the target. As you breath in and out your sights should move from 6:00 to 12:00 only with no horizontal element of movement. If you have established your natural point of aim properly and execute a clean trigger release the shots will go on call. I pretty much can tell you where my shot is before I look through the scope after each shot, within an inch or less.
There is much more in depth information available from several books, let me know if anyone want's to follow up.
Here is how to set up a leather service rifle sling http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/USAM...mu3-4.html
Here is some more information on setting up both a leather and cotton sling by Konrad Power who is a friend of mine and the winner of the Presidents match at the national matches this year. http://www.illinoishighpower.org/general...0Sling.pdf
Finally for the question that is sure to come, how do I attach my sling to my railed forearm? I suppose you could use something like this but I have no experience with it http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TWZHQ8/ref=...B003TWZHQ8
Hope this helps someone.
Bob
I'll try to give some basic advice beginning with the most basic, for an AR make sure your sling is attached to the float tube and not the barrel. You really don't want to bend that barrel down and to the left like it does with a standard A2, so if you have a traditional AR in A2 or A4 format or one of the AA hunters, you will need to install a free float tube under the hand guards. Several people make these, such as bushmaster, Rock River Arms and so on, but the one that is used most frequently at the national matches for service rifle applications is this one http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/pr...256&page=1
If you have a longer barreled rig one of the match rifle float tubes works real well and comes with a rail slot that accepts an Anschutz hand stop with a sling loop attached. Several of my friends shoot this one, including the guy that always beets me http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/pr...256&page=1
Then you need a good sling, a good one doesn't mean it costs a lot of money, some of the national champions use a simple GI cotton sling, I'll get into how to rig it later. http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Mili...Sling.html
I personally use a Les Tam leather sling for my service rifle but there is a wait list of up to a year to get one, so my recommendation would be a Ron Brown, who studied under Les and uses the same materials. http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Ron_...SLING.html
For match rifle applications the Tubb sling gets the job done just fine http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/DAVI...SLING.html
It helps to have a good shooting jacket and mat with non slip rubber facing but those are not mandatory, a shooting glove also helps take some bite out of the sling pressure but again you can use even an oven mitt to get started.
Initially the prone position with a sling seems very uncomfortable but once you establish the proper position you will be able to lay there comfortably for a long time and even doze off.
The critical element of the proper use of a sling in the prone position is that all the tension in the muscles of your non firing hand be transferred to the sling, your arm must be totally relaxed. Next you move your body behind your belt line only to align the rifle to the exact center of your target, this is called the natural point of aim, you can check it by removing your firing hand from the rifle and verifying that the rifle is still pointed at the center of the target. Verify again by closing your eyes, checking that all tension is removed from every muscle in your non firing hand and arm, open your eyes and verify the rifle is still pointed at the exact center of the target. As you breath in and out your sights should move from 6:00 to 12:00 only with no horizontal element of movement. If you have established your natural point of aim properly and execute a clean trigger release the shots will go on call. I pretty much can tell you where my shot is before I look through the scope after each shot, within an inch or less.
There is much more in depth information available from several books, let me know if anyone want's to follow up.
Here is how to set up a leather service rifle sling http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/USAM...mu3-4.html
Here is some more information on setting up both a leather and cotton sling by Konrad Power who is a friend of mine and the winner of the Presidents match at the national matches this year. http://www.illinoishighpower.org/general...0Sling.pdf
Finally for the question that is sure to come, how do I attach my sling to my railed forearm? I suppose you could use something like this but I have no experience with it http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TWZHQ8/ref=...B003TWZHQ8
Hope this helps someone.
Bob